Sen. Patrick Gallivan

Authorizes a real property tax exemption for certain eligible reservists upon adoption of a local law, ordinance or resolution providing therefor; requires property of such eligible reservists to be the primary residence; requires such reservist must have retained active duty status for at least 90 consecutive days to claim such tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nursing homes to provide daily in-person access to designated essential caregivers during visitation restrictions (e.g., public health emergencies). Essential caregivers - defined as individuals designated by residents (or their representatives if residents cannot decide) to assist with daily needs or emotional support - must be allowed access unless they violate safety protocols. Nursing homes must issue written warnings for protocol violations before denying access and provide a 24-hour written explanation for denials, including appeal options. An appeals process mandates the health department to investigate denials within 48 hours and may impose fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 5576 creates a new criminal offense called "feticide," defined as intentionally causing the death of an unborn child at any stage of pregnancy through pregnancy termination. This act would be classified as a class A felony - the most serious criminal charge - unless the termination followed specific provisions in public health law. The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally end a pregnancy resulting in the unborn child's death, excluding cases permitted under existing public health law. It does not change abortion access but establishes a new felony for intentional killing of an unborn child.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 7302) modifies New York's firearms licensing process by allowing applicants to request privacy for their personal information (name, address, etc.) on public records. It affects anyone applying for or renewing a firearms license, giving them a new option to avoid public disclosure if they meet specific safety or privacy grounds - such as being a law enforcement officer, under a protection order, or fearing harassment. The licensing officer must grant these privacy requests unless false information is provided, while still allowing law enforcement access to the records upon request. The change updates existing rules to add this privacy option during the license application and recertification process.

Relates to providing only plastic or composite eating utensils at state correctional facilities for use in cafeterias, mess halls, canteens, commissaries, or any other dining facility located within.

Maddy summaryS 4614 requires that any revenue from new or increased state taxes be deposited into a special fund. This fund then distributes payments annually to all cities, villages, and towns (outside villages) based on their proportion of the state's total property value. The payments must be used directly to lower each municipality's local property tax levy, reducing residents' property tax bills. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, after passing committee referral.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a religious exemption allowing children to attend school without required vaccinations if their parent, guardian, or legal custodian holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs opposing the vaccines. It directly affects families seeking to exempt their children from vaccination requirements for school attendance. The key provision amends public health law to require schools to accept such religious exemptions without demanding a certificate, while still reporting immunization status for exempt children. The exemption covers vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis, as specified in existing law. This changes school vaccination policy by adding a religious exception to the current immunization requirements.

Provides that an applicant with a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering technology and an applicant with a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering shall have the same number of education and experience credit requirements, shall have the same eligibility for an identification card as "an engineer in training", as well as examination and examination eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryBill S 7021 establishes a new retirement service credit for members of New York State public retirement systems who serve as volunteer firefighters or emergency service providers. Eligible members can receive one year of service credit for every five years of volunteer service, up to a maximum of three years of credit for fifteen years of service. To qualify, members must have at least five years of existing credited service and will pay a portion of the cost, calculated as three percent of their compensation for the twelve months preceding the application. The bill requires volunteer service to be certified by the agency and applications to be submitted before retirement.

Relates to instruction concerning traffic stops in pre-licensing courses to provide drivers with their responsibilities when stopped by a law enforcement officer.